Author: Rachel Fishbein, Senior Program Manager at QuestBridge
“Do it! Even if it may seem intimidating, please do it! The college process is a long and hard one but with QuestBridge, it becomes all worth it! It [provides] high-achieving students opportunities that would be hard to come by otherwise! I cannot stress how amazing QuestBridge is and the things that they do. Participate in the College Prep Scholars Program and the National College Match. Take the time and research all the partner schools that are available. You never know where life will take you.”
– Narissa H., Elizabeth, NJ, Matchlighters student and 2023 Match to Dartmouth
At QuestBridge, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their financial background. Over the past 30+ years, we have empowered over 100,000 students through our comprehensive programs.
Our partnerships with some of the nation’s top colleges, including Duke, Rice, and Swarthmore, reinforce our commitment. Every year thousands of students find out about our programming from educators, alumni, and organizations such as Matchlighters and College Essay Guy.
My introduction to QuestBridge
I found out about QuestBridge while I was in graduate school, from a fellow classmate who had worked in admissions at his alma mater, and saw firsthand how the organization helped introduce high achieving students from low income backgrounds to his liberal arts college.
I loved that QuestBridge had a very straightforward mission: to remove the financial barriers that kept academically strong students from applying to top colleges because of the “sticker price” (For details on “sticker price” vs “net price,” and a lot of other financial aid information, check out the paying for college modules). In contrast, I attended a high school where the majority of graduates matriculated directly to four year colleges throughout the country. This was not because these students were stronger applicants or more capable, but rather because they had the resources to research and to prepare—and because that was what was expected of everyone there.
When I first started working at QuestBridge, I spent a lot of time visiting high schools across New York City and raising awareness about our programs. Over and over, students would ask questions about standardized test scores, or why they should consider attending a school far from home. They would share how sometimes their parents did not want them to go away to school, especially since NYC had so many excellent options nearby. Some families were supportive, but did not know much about the college application process. These students were proactive, did the research, sought out their school counselor (often not a designated college counselor) and asked for support. Later, I worked with a specific cohort of students and had the chance to get to know them and offer guidance and support, but my biggest role was letting them know that these opportunities were out there and within reach.
The following fall there were many acceptances!
One student was matched, admitted with a full, four-year scholarship to a liberal arts college across the country—and more than ten years later she is still on the West Coast doing what she loves.
Another was accepted to college through QuestBridge Regular Decision at a top college in New York City, and she recently graduated from a Tier 1 law school.
A third ranked schools but wasn’t matched, but then was later accepted to multiple schools during QuestBridge Regular Decision and matriculated to a top college in Massachusetts. Now pursuing his Ph.D., he once shared that if it weren’t for QuestBridge and the preparation he received, particularly guidance on strengthening his academic profile, he may not have ended up where he is now. He was a strong student and a talented writer, but QuestBridge and his school counselor helped him understand the importance of exploring multiple institutions and focusing on the holistic nature of our application.
Whenever I present to educators, students, or families, I share that QuestBridge is not the right opportunity for every student, but we work with 52 of the most selective colleges in the country, so we understand what a strong application looks like, and we have resources that are helpful regardless of a student’s financial need.
QuestBridge is proud to have supported students for over 30 years, and for the student who is ready to attend a competitive college but isn’t sure how to apply, how they will afford college, or whether they will fit in once they arrive on campus, QuestBridge is here for them.
The National College Match: Opening doors to top colleges
The National College Match, our flagship program, serves as a unique college admissions and scholarship application process. This program is designed to support high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, offering a pathway to some of the country’s most selective institutions. Here's how it works:
Waived application fees: Finalists selected by QuestBridge for the National College Match enjoy waived application fees at our more than 50 college partners.
Guaranteed scholarships: Finalists who choose to rank schools can be “Matched” to a college, resulting in early admission with a full, four-year, guaranteed scholarship.
Generous financial aid: Many students receive generous financial aid packages through QuestBridge Regular Decision or other admission rounds, even if they are not matched in early December or choose not to rank colleges.
Benefits of the National College Match
The National College Match offers a host of benefits designed to support and elevate students:
Early admission consideration: Students can apply for early admission at up to 15 college partners simultaneously.
Full four-year scholarship: Matched students receive a full scholarship with no loans or parent contribution.
Tailored application process: The application is crafted to highlight each student’s unique story and achievements.
Personalized support: Students receive guidance throughout the college application process.
Distinction: Being selected as a Finalist distinguishes students as competitive candidates for selective college admissions.
Multiple admission opportunities: Students have various paths to admission and financial support.
Long-term benefits and networking: Finalists who attend a college partner gain access to programs for our Scholars and Alumni.
How to start a QuestBridge application
The free, online application for the National College Match opens by early August and closes in late September. While educators can refer students, students do not need a referral in order to apply. If a student believes they meet our academic and financial criteria, and either attend a U.S. high school, or are a United States citizen or permanent resident living abroad, they should apply.
Tips for high school seniors
For high school seniors considering the National College Match, starting early and allowing ample time for completing the application is crucial. The process can be intricate, involving multiple steps such as gathering transcripts, writing essays, and securing letters of recommendation.
(For a guide to how to approach the QuestBridge essays, with examples and analysis, check this out.)
Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Stay organized: Dedicate specific weekly time slots to work on your application and essays to stay accountable. Remind your recommenders and counselor of their roles part and don’t forget your QuestBridge ID in case you need to reach out to us for additional support.
Present your best self: Aim to submit not just an application, but the best version of yourself to admissions committees so they see what you will contribute to their campus.
Reflect deeply: Your essays and short answers should provide a genuine sense of who you are. Reflect on your experiences, motivations, and achievements to create compelling narratives.
Utilize our resources: Find answers to our most frequently asked questions on our help portal, review our Resource Library, or email us for direct support.
Research thoroughly: When considering college partners for your rankings, go beyond the schools you already know. All of our partners offer generous financial aid and support to students like you, so explore other aspects like academic opportunities, size, location, and community. Try to really get a sense of what college you might fit best at, and which will most effectively support you as you pursue your education.
Be the driver of your journey: This is your college experience. Consider what experiences you want, the community you wish to be part of, and the subjects you are passionate about. Make informed decisions that align with your aspirations.
At QuestBridge, we are dedicated to helping you navigate your path to higher education and beyond. Dream big and start your application today!
Special thanks to Rachel for writing this blog post
Rachel joined QuestBridge in 2012 to help launch a targeted initiative in New York City. Since then, she has enjoyed working across multiple teams, as well as directly with high school students, QuestBridge Scholars, and Alumni. She is currently focused on supporting educators and expanding relationships with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) across the country. Rachel grew up in NYC, where she currently resides with her husband and children. She received her BA from Cornell University where she majored in psychology. After graduating, she taught 4th and 5th grade while concurrently earning an MS, before realizing she preferred supporting educational initiatives from outside the classroom! She then attended the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, where she received a MA in education with a focus on higher education administration and nonprofits, and has been with QuestBridge ever since.
